Category: Economy and Markets
Budget 2026: Removal of CESS and imposition of VAT on Imported Fabric
Locally manufactured fabric is subjected to VAT and the imported fabric, although exempted from VAT, is subjected CESS of Rs. 100 per kilo gram. To ensure a level playing field, it is proposed to remove CESS and impose VAT on the imported fabric. This will be implemented effective from April 01, 2026.
Budget 2026: Implementation of the National Tariff Policy
The President proposes to revise the current Customs Import Duty rates of 0%, 15%, 20%, in line with the National Tariff Policy, to 0%, 10%, 20%, 30%, effective from April 2026. Also, with the aim of boosting economic growth by increasing the competitiveness of external trade, the government expects the gradual phase out of para-tariffs […]
Budget 2026: Imposition of Social Security Contribution Levy on Vehicles
It is observed that the social security contribution levy on the sale of vehicles is not being collected properly. Therefore, the social security contribution levy is proposed to be charged at the time of import or manufacture and sale of vehicles, and exempt this tax at the time of after-sales. This is expected to be […]
Full Budget Speech 2026 (Download)
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Summary of the Budget Estimates 2026
Due to the revisions to the revenue estimates expected through the budget proposals, the borrowing limit in the Appropriation Bill presented to this Parliament on 26.09.2025 should be revised by reducing it by Rs. 60 billion to Rs. 3,740 billion. This revision is presented in Annex Il of this Budget Speech.
Policybazaar expands global footprint with tech-led reinsurance entry into SL, Qatar, Oman, and UAE
Policybazaar.com, one of India’s largest insurance platforms, has announced the launch of its reinsurance operations in Sri Lanka, Qatar, Oman, and the UAE. With this move, Policybazaar becomes one of the first India-based intermediaries to introduce a technology-driven reinsurance model across Asia and the Middle East, regions that are rapidly growing yet continue to face […]
Hayleys Plantations partners Solidaridad to strengthen global leadership in Regen Agri
Hayleys Plantations, home of the world’s first Regenagri®-certified tea estate, has entered into a landmark partnership with Solidaridad Network Asia and its Sri Lankan partner Nucleus Foundation to advance regenerative agriculture and carbon insetting programmes across its estates. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), signed alongside other plantation sector companies, represents the next phase in the […]
MAS Holdings launches ‘Plan for Change 2030’,towards more sustainable apparel industry
South Asia’s largest apparel-tech conglomerate, MAS Holdings, launched its Plan for Change 2030 at a special event held at Cinnamon Life, Colombo on 09 October 2025. The launch marks an important new chapter in the company’s sustainability journey, outlining an ambitious roadmap to reshape the future of apparel through measurable commitments across Product, Lives, and […]
‘s Economic Stabilization by 2028, says IMF
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has stressed that Sri Lanka must “stay the course” and complete its “own homegrown reform program” to fully stabilize its economy by 2028, signaling the crucial nature of domestic commitment to the country’s long-term financial health. Speaking at a recent press briefing, Thomas Helbling, Deputy Director of the Asia and […]
Singer unveils HONOR magic V5
Singer Sri Lanka PLC is redefining the premium smartphone experience with the launch of the HONOR Magic V5, the brand’s most advanced foldable flagship to date. Designed to merge artistry, intelligence, and performance, the model introduces a new era of mobility, enabling users to unlock productivity and creativity like never before. The HONOR Magic V5 […]